Overcoming Obstacles and Finding Success: The Power of Performance Psychology

All performers, whether beginners or world class, in sports, business, the arts, and beyond, have encountered obstacles in their careers. Acknowledging that every successful person must work hard, this book offers a blueprint for those wanting to map out their own success based on over twenty years of research into performance, and the authors’ experiences of guiding career development among their mentees and teaching courses on the topic. Each chapter includes a case study that exemplifies one of the most common obstacles individuals face in their efforts to be successful, including topics like impostor syndrome, artificial ceilings, facing rejection, and not allowing for rest or recovery. Following this, the chapter goes on to provide a series of engaging exercises for readers to reflect on their own performance and techniques, and enables them to strategize ways they can modify their performance to achieve better results. Throughout, the book is underpinned by theoretical frameworks from performance psychology, clear actionable steps for achieving success, and suggested readings for further study.

Written with career development in mind, the applications of this book are far-reaching, with relevance for all those looking to excel in their chosen fields.